Hemingway House Staff Stays Behind To Care For 54 Resident Cats During Hurricane

Good news in Key West: the historic Ernest Hemingway House survived hurricane Irma with little damage, and its resident 54 polydactyl cats are safe, sound, and cared for, thanks to a handful of dedicated staff members.

Ten employees chose to remain behind to care for the kitties, despite frightening predictions of dangerous weather, along with urging from actress Muriel Hemingway, the late writer’s granddaughter, to pack up the cats and evacuate.

“I think you’re wonderful and an admirable person for trying to stay there and to try to save the cats and the house…This is frightening. This hurricane is a big deal…get in the car with the cats and take off.”

But staff members had faith in the structure’s thick limestone walls, and decided to wait out the storm with the kitties rather than displace them. Thankfully, it all worked out!

Although the brave crew has no electricity, water, or internet due to the hurricane, they were prepared for the worst. They’re fully stocked up on food, water, and medical supplies, plus they have a generator running for power.